As Deer Licenses Change, Donations May Increase

PIERRE, S.D.—A change in the status of deer hunting licenses now makes more licenses eligible for processing assistance and should result in more food for the hungry in South Dakota.

All unfilled West River “any deer” tags have now converted to antlerless deer only and East River “any deer” tags will make that change on Monday, Dec. 4. Hunters who haven’t yet filled their tags should consider a new program that offers them financial help with the cost of processing a donated antlerless deer. Prior to becoming valid for only antlerless deer, “any deer” licenses were ineligible for the processing certificates.

This is the first year that the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department and Sportsmen Against Hunger have offered hunters $30 certificates to help with the cost of processing an antlerless deer.

“This new program serves two great purposes,” said Sportsmen Against Hunger President Jeff Olson. “First, hunters can help feed the hungry and the certificates available at the GFP Web site will certainly help with the cost of that. Secondly, many areas of the state need a healthy harvest of antlerless deer.”

Hunters may print and use up to four of the $30 certificates. Each certificate may be used to help with the cost of processing one antlerless deer.

“Hunters get to get out in the field for a good cause, the hungry have a chance at some delicious venison and landowners see their depredation problems dwindle,” Olson said. “This program is a winner for everyone.”

Hunters should also note that leftover deer hunting licenses are still available in many West River and East River units. Hunters can check the status of the leftover deer licenses at the GFP Web site.

To facilitate the sale of leftover antlerless deer tags and encourage hunters to harvest more antlerless deer, GFP now offers over-the-counter big game tags. This option is not available to hunters until late in the hunting season.

Hunters must purchase their license through the online application system available at the GFP Web site. When purchasing their license, they will be offered an option to receive their tags from a designated license agent or have the tags mailed to them by the GFP License Office. For those selecting the option to pick up their licenses over-the-counter, at the end of the purchase process there will be a requirement to print off a purchase authorization. This authorization is presented to a designated license agent to pick up tags.

Not all license agents are authorized to carry the big game tags, so hunters will need to check on where the closest authorized agent is located. This information is also available at the GFP Web site by highlighting the link to "Licenses and Reservations" and then clicking on the link to "Locate License Agents." Hunters have the option of locating license agents alphabetically by city or by clicking on a map. The list of license agents will include information under "License Services" that includes "tag replacement." These license agents will be able to offer over-the-counter tags with the hunter's printed authorization letter.

Anyone who’s interested in the Sportsmen Against Hunger program can learn more about it at the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Web site, www.sdgfp.info. Hold the cursor over the subhead “Get Involved” and click on the link to “Sportsmen Against Hunger.” A list of processors who have agreed to accept the $30 certificates is available at the site.

Certificates can be ordered online at http://apps.sd.gov/applications/GF79SAHEntryForm.aspx. Hunters without Internet access can order the certificates through a friend or relative who has Internet access or they can get help at a GFP office.

Hunters should note that the cost of processing may be more than $30. Processors should be contacted directly to find out about the costs.

--GFP—